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South African: platinum miners start talks with employers in mine strike amid unrest reports

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Union leader Joseph Mathunjwa, center, sings and dances with mine workers outside the Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana near Rustenburg, South Africa, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014. Allied Metal and Construction Workers Union (AMCU) at Lonmin in Marikana, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and Impala mines started a strike on Thursday pushing for an entry-level monthly salary of 12,500 rand (1147 US Dollars). (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

A mine worker wearing a zebra mask sings and dances outside the Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana near Rustenburg, South Africa, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014. Allied Metal and Construction Workers Union (AMCU) at Lonmin in Marikana, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and Impala mines started a strike on Thursday pushing for an entry-level monthly salary of 12,500 rand (1147 US Dollars). (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) (The Associated Press)

A South African union representing striking platinum miners is holding wage talks with employers amid reports of some confrontations around the mines.

Union representatives on Friday met senior managers of mining companies to discuss worker demands for higher wages in one of South Africa's major industries. South Africa is the world's top producer of the platinum, which is used in medical, electronic and other industries.

Tens of thousands of platinum miners went on strike on Thursday.

Eyewitness News, a media outlet, reported confrontations between striking miners and mine security officials in one area, as well as incidents of protesters blocking roads and throwing stones at motorists.

In 2012, South African police shot and killed several dozen miners during labor unrest. An inquiry is underway.